A diagnostic evaluation focusing on the characteristics of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, measures the quantity and size of these particles. Specifically, it differentiates between larger, more buoyant LDL particles and smaller, denser ones. This assessment offers a detailed profile beyond the standard cholesterol blood test, which typically only reports total LDL cholesterol levels.
This type of evaluation is valuable because smaller, denser LDL particles are believed to be more atherogenic than larger LDL particles. They are more easily oxidized and can more readily penetrate the arterial wall, contributing to the development of plaque and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Assessing this characteristic provides additional insight into an individual’s cardiovascular risk that may not be evident from standard lipid measurements.
